Answered Question - Disney Parks Moms Panel

We are going on a 3 day Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Magic. My kids(ages 3,5 and 8) want to swim/interact with dolphins. There are two choices Blue Lagoon Encounter or the Atlantis Shallow Water Encounter. Is there one you would recommend?

- Asked by Ward from Tennessee on 2/8/2014

Welcome aboard, Ward! I am so glad that you asked me this question, because I highly recommend the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon! My daughter and I had the time of our lives when we swam with these beautiful creatures at Blue Lagoon in Nassau a few months ago.

We got lots of interaction time in the water with the dolphins, and the facility was beautiful. First we sat through a short video and discussion of dolphins to learn about them before we were sorted into groups and headed out to get in the water. Wet suits were available, as were life vests. The trainers there were very knowledgeable and great with kids! My daughter loves dolphins and had lots of questions for the trainers who were so sweet and educational in answering her questions.

Then, after our experience with the dolphins, we were able to wander the dolphin area more to watch the dolphins, do a bit of shopping, then walk over to enjoy the rest of our day at Blue Lagoon Beach, as we had been on the first dolphin departure, allowing us hours afterward to spend at the beach. There were multiple times we could take the boat back to the ship, so we were able to spend as much time as we wanted enjoying the gorgeous spot! There are food and drinks for sale so we could eat lunch there too. It really made for a great day, Ward!

I will say though, that if two adults are joining your three kids for this adventure, you might consider splitting up and allowing one adult plus your eight-year old to do the Dolphin Swim, versus the Encounter. We did this, and my daughter and I were able to have even more time in the water and get a push across the water by the dolphins! It was worth every extra penny for this experience!

So, unless you have a real desire to see Atlantis, the resort, I would highly recommend the Blue Lagoon adventure! Happy planning!

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